Peripheral Vascular System Flashcards
How is peripheral circulation affected by aging?
Peripheral blood vessels increase in rigidity
Progressive enlargement of intramuscular calf veins
What are some environmental risk factors for PAD?
smoking
diabetes
HTN
total cholesterol
obesity
What ethnicity is disproportionately affected by PAD?
Black americans
Explain the Ankle-Brachial Index
Highly specific, noninvasive, determines extent of PAD
Normal finding: 1-1.2
Lower score is indicative of PAD
(WATCH VIDEO IN SLIDES)
What is the modified Allen test?
Tests collateral circulation by occluding the radial and ulnar arteries, then releasing them one at a time
List the common peripheral pulse locations
Radial
Femoral
Popliteal
Posterior Tibial
Dorsalis Pedis
Explain how edema is assessed
Squeeze shins for 5 seconds and observe
1+ mild pitting, slight indentation, no perceptible swelling
2+ Moderate pitting, indentation subsides rapidly
3+ Deep pitting, indentation remains, leg looks swollen
4+ Very deep pitting, indentation lasts long time, leg very swollen
What is the Wells Score?
Evaluates DVT risk
0 or less: low probability
1 or 2: moderate probability
3+: high probability
What are some risk factors of DVT formation?
Recent surgery
Bed-bound
Birth control
low exercise
DVT history
Edema
How are DP and PT pulses affected by age?
May become more difficult to find
How is arterial insufficiency shown with age?
Thin, shiny skin
Thick, ridged nails
Loss of hair on lower legs
Explain Raynaud phenomenon
coolness in the fingers, pallor, whiteness
Who is affect by neuropathic ulcers?
Diabetics
